The European Commission and Australia have formally concluded negotiations on Australia’s association to Horizon Europe, the EU’s €93.5 billion flagship research and innovation programme. Under the agreement, Australia will join Pillar II, which funds collaborative research addressing major global challenges across digital, industry and space; climate, energy and mobility; and food, bioeconomy and agriculture.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, welcomed the outcome, stating: “We can tackle the challenges of tomorrow only together. That is why the future of science and technology depends on strong international partnerships, like the one between the EU and Australia. Together, we’ve already delivered breakthroughs such as the Square Kilometre Array, one of the world’s most advanced radio telescopes. By combining our strengths in industry, space, climate action, and the bioeconomy, we will drive the next generation of transformative innovations.”
The agreement marks a new chapter in an already dynamic scientific relationship. Under Horizon Europe to date, Australian organisations have taken part in 239 projects, demonstrating the strength of the country’s research ecosystem. Nearly one in four individual applications from Australia has been selected for funding, resulting in a 24.39% success rate.
Beginning in January 2027, a transitional arrangement will shift Australian participants from third‑country status—where they often had to self‑fund or rely on limited exceptions—to full eligibility as entities from an associated country. This will grant Australian organisations direct access to EU funding under Pillar II, including the ability to coordinate project consortia on equal terms with EU Member States.
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Want to know more about decarbonization, sustainable industry trends, and the breakthroughs driving real change? Explore the complete lineup of Industry Link’s 2026 events below:
Cementitious Materials International Technical & Trade Congress – Europe
28–29 October, Brussels, Belgium
A leading EMEA gathering on cementitious materials, market trends, regulatory updates, and regional opportunities.
CarbonZero Alternative Fuels & Raw Materials Global Conference & Exhibition 2026
Including Cementitious Europe – Congress
28–29 October, Brussels, Belgium
Global platform for Net Zero strategies, alternative fuels, raw materials, carbon capture, and emerging technologies.
Women in Cement and Construction International Congress 2026 – EMEA
30 October, Brussels, Belgium
A dedicated forum advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the cement and construction sectors.
Cementitious Materials International Technical & Trade Congress – MEA
8–9 December, Morocco
The premier MEA event for cementitious materials, innovation, and regional trade opportunities.
Sustainability & ESG International Summit 2026
24 – 25 November, São Paulo, Brazil
Premier regional platform for Net Zero construction, circular economy, climate resilience, and ESG leadership.
Industry 5.0 Global Conference & Exhibition 2026
24 – 25 November, São Paulo, Brazil
Hosted at the same venue and dates as the Sustainability Summit — two events for one price, one ticket, full access.
